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Title
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Crossbow - ('Balestrino') - 17TH CENTURY
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HCA Identifier
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XI.286
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Collection Location
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Collection Royal Armouries, Self-Defence Gallery, Leeds England
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Date
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17th-century
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Location
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Italy
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Description
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This crossbow is fully made from steel. Its faceted handle contains the coking mechanism where the string is pulled back into position and the bolt is released by a small thumb-operated trigger release on the top of the crossbow. Its small size may suggest that it was a personal item used for self-defense or for inconspicuousness. Its other name of reference the “ “All-steel “Assassin’s Crossbow” further suggests this crossbow’s inconspicuous usage. Only 15 of these small crossbows are known and it is recorded in documents
that if caught carrying this weapon in 16th century Vienna while concealing your identity was a crime.
Materials/Media Steel
Dimensions/Measurements Length: 178 millimeters Width: 165 millimeters Weight: 368 grams
Other notes Also referred to as the “All-steel “Assassin’s Crossbow”
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Source
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https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-36420
Collection Royal Armouries, Self-Defence Gallery, Leeds England
